The call of the first month of spring; the beginning of new growth and the continuation of what has been carried before. It reminds us that renewal does not begin from nothing — it grows from the wisdom, creativity and relationships nurtured across generations.

Kōanga does not arrive alone. It is carried by the whenua, shifting winds, returning warmth and the signs that emerge around us. These seasonal rhythms live within our stories, practices, songs, art and relationships with ngā māra, te whenua and te taiao.

Ahikaea’26: Te Karanga a Ahikaea, a series of creative encounters across ngā māra o Pōneke as part of Te Wā o te Kōanga 2026, bringing together artists, makers, musicians and storytellers. Together, these works explore the many ways knowledge, culture and creativity are carried forward, creating space to gather, experience and celebrate the renewal of kōanga.